DAYTON, Ohio - The Saint Mary's College men's basketball team didn't spend much time celebrating its selection to the NCAA tournament.

There simply wasn't time.

Soon after learning they'd be playing 48 hours later in a "First Four" game more than 2,000 miles away, players rushed home to do laundry, pack and learn as much as they could about the Middle Tennessee State team they'll face Tuesday night at 9:10 p.m. ET (Tru TV) at the University of Dayton.

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"I'll tell you this, I didn't see the rest of the (selection) show," said Saint Mary's coach Randy Bennett. "Once I saw our name called and that we were playing Tuesday, it was a mad scramble."

Saint Mary's left Moraga at about 6 a.m. PT on Monday for its charter flight and arrived in Dayton just an hour and a half before its scheduled news conference. The Gaels (27-6) are making their third NCAA tournament appearance in four years, but the logistics of the First Four game make this year's trip a little different.

"I think the focus is more on getting your team ready to play and not as much about the opponent you're playing," Bennett said. "You just don't have much time to prepare for the other opponent with just 48 hours notice."

Gaels senior Matthew Dellavedova said he spent some time Sunday night watching film of the Sun Belt Conference tournament and noted how hard and physical the Blue Raiders play. Bennett called them "athletic, strong and physically gifted."

Dellavedova will likely be guarded by Bruce Massey, the Sun Belt's Defensive Player of the Year. The Blue Raiders are known for putting a lot of pressure on the ball and defending the 3-point line well.

Though Middle Tennessee State (28-5) lacks NCAA tournament experience, it's a veteran team with 13 juniors and seniors on the roster. The Blue Raiders are also deep, playing nine players more than 12 minutes a game.

While the Gaels said they know little about Middle Tennessee's personnel, the Blue Raiders are familiar with Dellavedova.

"In watching the last six games, there's no doubt he's the most impactful player on his college team than anybody else in college basketball," Davis said.

The Gaels traveled to Dayton without starting guard Jorden Page, who suffered a knee injury against Gonzaga in the conference final a week ago. He was scheduled to see a doctor Monday about the injury, with the hope that he might be able to play this weekend if the Gaels advance.

Bennett said redshirt freshman Jordan Giusti, a recruited walk-on from San Ramon Valley High, would start in Page's place. Giusti, known for his tenacious defense, has occasionally started the second half of games.

Though the two guards play similar minutes, Page has competed in two NCAA tournaments and adds a little more in scoring and play-making abilities.